News and Information for Sierra Club Members and Supporters in
San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties
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Early Morning Mt Baker and Baker Lake
Photo by Ned Vasquez
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Early Morning Mt Baker and Baker Lake
Photo by Ned Vasquez
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Mt Baker from the Ptarmigan Ridge
Part of the Chain Lakes Loop
Photo by Nick Engelfried
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Wilderness Act Anniversary
Chain Lakes Hike
Submitted by Outings Leader Nick Engelfried
Join us on Sunday, Sept 22 from 10 AM - 3 PM for a day hike into the Mount Baker Wilderness on the Chain Lakes Loop trail. September marks the 60-year anniversary of the US Wilderness Act and, in honor of this occasion, we're visiting one of Washington's most celebrated Wilderness Areas. This trail is rated as moderately challenging, involving an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet over 6.2 miles. The stunning views along the way make the trek well worth the effort!
We'll also pause for a conversation about the important and sometimes complicated history of the Wilderness Act and how perceptions of it have evolved over time.
Be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a packed lunch and plenty of water for this hike.
Please note you will need a Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent public lands pass to park at the trailhead.
What: Chain Lakes Loop Hike to celebrate the Wilderness Act.
When: Sunday, September 22, 10 AM - 3 PM (finish time is approximate and could be slightly earlier or later).
Where: Meet at the Chain Lakes Trailhead at Artist Point.
Learn more and RSVP by clicking the button below!
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The Kongakut River
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Ned Vasquez
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Mt Baker Group
Executive Committee Nominations
Have you ever considered taking a more active role in the Sierra Club? We have an opportunity for you!
Each year, the Mt Baker Group seeks nominees for our Executive Committee (ExCom). The ExCom meets monthly and sets the priorities and activities for the Group each year.
Becoming a member of the MBG ExCom is a great way to move from armchair activist to a more engaged role!
Interested?
Contact a member of our Nominations Committee to answer questions and learn more:
Alexandra Gayek: gayek07@hotmail.com
Mike Sennett: mdsennett@yahoo.com
John Yearsley: jyearsle@uw.edu
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Hummer Taking a Break
Photo by Ned Vasquez
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Eelgrass Meadows Need Our Protection
Submitted by Alexandra Gayek
Eelgrass is crucial in maintaining the health of our coastal ecosystems. Watch this fascinating short video by Orcas Island's SeaDoc Society about the important role of seagrass meadows (which includes our local eelgrass) in filtering human pathogens from the water and keeping shellfish safe to eat for humans as well as for the wild, non-humans that make up our coastal biodiversity.
https://phys.org/news/2024-08-seagrasses-filter-human-pathogens-marine.html
Check out the SeaDoc Society and sign up for their newsletter here:
https://www.seadocsociety.org
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The View From an 18,200 Foot Peak!
Atacama Desert, Northern Chile
Photo by Ned Vasquez
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Forests in Focus Film Screenings
Celebrate “State Lands September” with us
at the Pickford Theater!
On September 18, at 7:45 PM, join the Mt Baker Group, RE Sources, and the Earth Law Center for a screening of four short documentary films that tell stories of our most precious forests and the communities who are fighting for their future. The films will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers.
The four films are:
· Last Stand: Saving the Elwha River's Legacy Forests
· Living Legacies
· Naneth Cenedril
· To Heal A Forest
Post-screening discussion with:
Elizabeth Dunne, Esq., Creative Producer, Production Coordinator, and Star of Last Stand: Saving the Elwha River Legacy Forests
Freddie Lane, Environmental Activist, Organizer, and Lummi Elder featured in Last Stand: Saving the Elwha River Legacy Forests
Jesse Clark, Filmmaker of Living Legacies
Daniel Harm, Filmmaker and Star of Naneth Cenedril
Scan the QR code below for tickets & click the button below for more on State Lands September!
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Oxeye Daisy
Photo by Ned Vasquez
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Frightening Fall Initiative
Know Why to Vote NO on I-2117!
On the November 2024 ballot, Washington voters will decide on a frightening initiative, I-2117.
I-2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, which collects fees on pollution from the largest polluters (big oil companies and industrial sites).
These fees are then utilized to protect our air and water, preserve farmland and forests, invest in energy efficiency, help low-income households with energy bills, and make sensible transportation investments. Future generations need us to do our part to address the climate crisis.
I-2117 is one of four "greed initiatives" that are NOT volunteer-driven measures. Brian Heywood, a millionaire hedge fund manager, invested $5 million to hire paid signature gatherers to get these initiatives on the ballot.
I-2117 will benefit big producers of CO2 and place the burden for paying for the effects of climate change on communities and citizens.
Vote NO on 2117!
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Next Mt Baker Group Executive Committee meeting:
Monday, October 14 @ 11:00 AM via Zoom
Meetings are open to all Sierra Club members.
To attend, please contact us for the Zoom link:
rick.eggerth@washington.sierraclub.org OR
ned.vasquez@washington.sierraclub.org OR
MtBaker@washington.sierraclub.org |
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